Anti-Terrorism Day 2022: History and Significance

India annually observes Anti-Terrorism Day on May 21 to spread awareness about terrorism and its disastrous effects on life and property. 

Last year during the pandemic, the Ministry of Home Affairs decided that officials must take an ‘Anti-Terrorism Pledge’ inside their offices or rooms to avoid mass gatherings and contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

History 

National Anti-Terrorism Day was established in 1991, following the assassination of India‘s former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on May 21, 1991.

Gandhi was killed by members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Tamil Nadu during a campaign. Later on, the Centre decided to declare May 21 as Anti-Terrorism Day all across the nation. 

Also Read: Rajiv Gandhi assassination: From arrest to release of AG Perarivalan, a timeline

How is it observed? 

The day is observed by taking the ‘Anti-Terrorism Pledge’ and conducting informative events that spread knowledge about the violent acts of terrorism.

“We, the people of India, having abiding faith in our country’s tradition of non-violence and tolerance, hereby solemnly affirm to oppose with our strength, all forms of terrorism and violence. We pledge to uphold and promote peace, social harmony, and understanding among all fellow human beings and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values,” the pledge states. 

Also Read: Why Singapore banned Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘The Kashmir Files’?

Significance 

The day aims to-

1. Encourage ideologies of peace and brotherhood

2. Spread unity among citizens

3. Raise awareness about terrorist organizations

4. Highlight the catastrophic effects of terrorism on society and how they disrupt social harmony

5. Pay homage to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives while fighting against terrorism to safeguard the nation. 

This year, the Ministry of Home Affairs scheduled a pledge-taking ceremony on May 20. This is because May 21 falls on a Saturday this year, which is an official holiday for employees of the central government.